Greatest shot blocker in each NBA team’s history

Best shot blocker in Los Angeles Clippers history: DeAndre Jordan

Early on in his career, DeAndre Jordan appeared to be heading towards the dreadful list of amazing athletes who couldn’t harness it enough produce with great regularity.

Then, Doc Rivers was acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers in the summer of 2013, and everything changed for Jordan. The former NBA champion head coach helped the seven-footer focus his energy in the right directions and realize his full potential as a rebounding menace who was the last line of defense for the Clippers.

Rivers helped Jordan realize he’d never be a focal point on offense. Rather, his job would be to set good hard screens, roll to the bucket, rebound the ball and protect the rim.

Almost instantly, DeAndre obliged, with his lowest rebounding average being 13.6 per game. His blocks increased to over two per game for a good amount of time. He’d go on to lead the league in field goal percentage in five consecutive seasons.

He was the ultimate sky-walker, capable of out-rebounding just about anybody on pure leaping ability alone. When Chris Paul came to town, Jordan became one of the most feared around-the-rim finishers in the game. He formed a great two-man game with Paul. When the lob was thrown, everyone ran for cover, except Brandon Knight.

Jordan’s rise from raw prospect to an elite rebounder and defender alongside Paul and Blake Griffin helped revitalize the Clippers from laughing-stock to perennial playoff contenders. While it took a little bit of time, he was a terrific case of a guy who understood his role and played it to near perfection.